Communication system

ABSTRACT

A communication system includes: a subscriber information storage device configured to store subscriber information; a registration unit configured to register, in addition to first subscriber information, second subscriber information in the subscriber information storage device, as sub-registrant subscriber information of a first terminal unit, the first subscriber information being the subscriber information associated with a first terminal unit, and the second subscriber information being the subscriber information associated with a second terminal unit; and a reception processor configured to acquire the sub-registrant subscriber information associated with the first subscriber information by referring to the subscriber information storage device, when transmission is made to the first terminal unit, and subsequently to perform processing of reception at the second terminal unit with use of the sub-registrant subscriber information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-189836, filed on Jul. 20,2007; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communication system including asubscriber information storage device for storing subscriberinformation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, one telephone number has been commonly assigned to oneterminal unit (e.g., mobile phone). In contrast, a service for assigninga plurality of telephone numbers (for example, at most 3 telephonenumbers) to one terminal unit has been recently proposed. Further, aproposal for assigning one telephone number to a plurality of terminalunits has also been recently proposed.

Further, a technique for using pieces of subscriber informationselectively depending on the situations, with use of a USIM that storesa plurality of pieces of subscriber information (IMSI) (see claim 1,paragraphs 0041, 0054 and 0055 of Japanese Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2006-121334). With this technique, a plurality of piecesof subscriber information of different contractor names can also bestored in the USIM. Accordingly, it is possible, for example, to usesubscriber information in personal name and subscriber information incorporate name selectively depending on the situations.

However, in the conventional technique as described above, since theUSIM is installed in the terminal unit, the subscriber information isswitched at the terminal unit.

Here, let us assume a case where a certain terminal unit is providedwith the USIM in which subscriber information A (in personal name) andsubscriber information B (in corporate name) are stored, and anotherterminal unit (transmission terminal) performs transmission to thecertain terminal unit (reception terminal).

In the case where both the subscriber information A and the subscriberinformation B are active, when the transmission terminal performstransmission with the subscriber information A, the reception terminalreceives the transmission with the subscriber information A. In the sameway, when the transmission terminal performs transmission with thesubscriber information B, the reception terminal receives thetransmission with the subscriber information B.

Meanwhile, in the case where only the subscriber information A isactive, when the transmission terminal performs transmission with thesubscriber information B, the reception terminal cannot receive thetransmission. In the same way, in the case where only the subscriberinformation B is active, when the transmission terminal performstransmission with the subscriber information A, the reception terminalcannot receive the transmission.

Accordingly, in the conventional technique as described above, thesubscriber information used in transmission needs to coincide with thesubscriber information used in reception. As a result, the degree offreedom in selecting subscriber information used in transmission orreception is low, and thus convenience of a user is decreased.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is a communication system including asubscriber information storage device configured to store subscriberinformation. The communication system includes a registration unit(registration unit 31) and a reception processor (reception processor33). The registration unit is configured to register, in addition tofirst subscriber information, second subscriber information in thesubscriber information storage device, as sub registrant subscriberinformation of the first terminal unit. The first subscriber informationis subscriber information associated with a first terminal unit. Thesecond subscriber information is subscriber information associated witha second terminal unit. The reception processor is configured to acquirethe sub-registrant subscriber information associated with the firstsubscriber information by referring to the subscriber informationstorage device, when transmission is made to the first terminal unit,and subsequently to perform processing of reception at the secondterminal unit with use of the sub-registrant subscriber information.

According to the aspect, the second subscriber information, in additionto the first subscriber information, is registered as the sub-registrantsubscriber information in the subscriber information storage device.When transmission is made to the first terminal unit, processing ofreception at the second terminal unit is performed with use of thesub-registrant subscriber information.

As described above, the subscriber information used in transmission doesnot need to coincide with the subscriber information used in reception.As a result, compared with a conventional technique in which thesubscriber information is switched at the terminal unit, degree offreedom in selecting subscriber information used in transmission orreception is enhanced, and thus convenience of a user is enhanced.

According to the aspect as described above, the registration unitregisters, in addition to the second subscriber information, the firstsubscriber information in the subscriber information storage device, assub-registrant holder subscriber information (Here, sub-registrantholder indicates the main user viewed from the sub-user side.) of thesecond terminal unit. The reception processor acquires thesub-registrant holder subscriber information associated with the secondsubscriber information by referring to the subscriber informationstorage device, when transmission is made to the second terminal unit,and subsequently perform processing of reception at the first terminalunit with use of the sub-registrant holder subscriber information.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a transmission processor (transmission processor 34).The transmission processor is configured to acquire the sub-registrantsubscriber information associated with the first subscriber informationby referring to the subscriber information storage device whentransmission is made from the first terminal unit, and subsequentlyperform processing of transmission from the second terminal unit withuse of the sub-registrant subscriber information.

According to the aspect as described above, the transmission processoracquires the sub-registrant holder subscriber information associatedwith the second subscriber information by referring to the subscriberinformation storage device when transmission is made from the secondterminal unit, and subsequently perform processing of transmission fromthe first terminal unit with use of the sub-registrant holder subscriberinformation.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a transferer (transferer 38). The transferer isconfigured to transfer communication performed by one of the firstterminal unit and the second terminal unit to the other terminal unit.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a restrictor (restrictor 35). The restrictor isconfigured to restrict one of reception processing with use of thesub-registrant subscriber information and transmission processing withuse of the sub-registrant subscriber information.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a restrictor (restrictor 35). The restrictor isconfigured to restrict one of reception processing with use of thesub-registrant holder subscriber information and transmission processingwith use of sub-registrant holder subscriber information.

According to the aspect as described above, in the case where one of thefirst terminal unit and the second terminal unit has responded, thereception processor discontinues processing of reception at the otherterminal unit, and send to the other terminal unit the identificationinformation of the terminal unit which has responded.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a service provider (service provider 36). The serviceprovider is configured to, in the case where an additional service to beused at reception is set to one of the first terminal unit and thesecond terminal unit, provide the additional service also to the otherterminal unit.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a notifier (notifier 37). In the case wheretransmission is made to one of the first terminal unit and the secondterminal unit, the notifier is configured to notify identificationinformation of the terminal unit to which transmission is made, to theother terminal unit which has responded to operation by the receptionprocessor.

According to the aspect as described above, the communication systemfurther includes a notifier (notifier 37). The notifier is configured tonotify a communication status of the other terminal unit, to one of thefirst terminal unit and the second terminal unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication systemaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an HLR 30 accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in asubscriber information DB 32 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communicationsystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communicationsystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communicationsystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communicationsystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communicationsystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an HLR 30 accordingto a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in asubscriber information DB 32 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an HLR 30according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an HLR 30according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an HLR 30according to a fifth embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a communication system according to embodiments of thepresent invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Notethat same or similar numerals and characters are provided to same orsimilar portions.

Note that the drawings are only schematic and individual dimensionalratios and the like are different from those in reality. Therefore,specific dimensions should be determined with reference to theexplanation to be described later. It goes without saying thatdimensional relationships and ratios vary also among some of thedifferent drawings.

FIRST EMBODIMENT Configuration of the Communication System

Hereinafter, a configuration of a communication system according to afirst embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, FIG.1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication systemaccording to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system includes a plurality ofterminal units 10 (terminal unit 10A to terminal unit 10D), a pluralityof MSC/VLR 20 (MSC/VLR 20A, MSC/VLR 20B), an HLR 30, and a GMSC/GGSN 40.

The terminal unit 10 is, for example, a mobile phone or fixed-linephone. The terminal unit 10 may be an apparatus that is compatible withVoIP.

The terminal units 10A to 10C are connected to a first network 100 via abase station (not shown) and the MSC/VLR 20. In the first embodiment,the terminal unit 10A exists in an area A which is managed by theMSC/VLR 20A. Meanwhile, the terminal units 10B, 10C exist in an area Bwhich is managed by the MSC/VLR 20B.

The terminal unit 10D is connected to a second network 200 via a basestation (not shown) and an MSC/VLR (not shown).

It should be noted that subscriber information of the terminal units 10Ato 10C will be hereinafter referred to as subscriber information A to C.

The MSC/VLR 20 is configured to manage a terminal unit 10 that exists inan area which is managed by the MSC/VLR 20 itself. Specifically, theMSC/VLR 20 (Mobile Switching Center) functions as an exchangerconfigured to exchange transmission from the terminal unit 10 andreception at the terminal unit 10. In addition, the MSC/VLR 20 (VisitorLocation Register) also functions as an apparatus configured to manage alocation of the terminal unit 10 and the subscriber information of theterminal unit 10. Note that, the MSC/VLR 20 downloads the subscriberinformation from the HLR 30, in the case, for example, where theterminal unit 10 has entered the area managed by the MSC/VLR 20 itself.

The HLR (Home Location Register) is an apparatus configured to managethe location and the subscriber information of the terminal unit 10.Here, in the case where the area in which the terminal unit 10 exists ischanged, the terminal unit 10 informs the HLR 30 of a new area in whichthe terminal unit 10 exists (location registration). The details of theHLR 30 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

It should be noted that the MSC/VLR 20 and the HLR 30 serve as asubscriber information storage device configured to store the subscriberinformation of the terminal unit 10 in the first embodiment.

The GMSC/GGSN 40 (Gateway MSC, Gateway GPRS Support Node) is configuredto function as a gate way connected to the first network 100 and thesecond network 200.

Configuration of the Subscriber Information Storage Device

Hereinafter, the configuration of the subscriber information storagedevice according to the first embodiment will be described withreference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, explanation will begiven taking the HLR 30 as an example of the subscriber informationstorage device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of theHLR 30 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the HLR 30 includes a registration unit 31, asubscriber information DB 32, a reception processor 33, and atransmission processor 34. It should be noted that only configurationsthat are necessary for explaining the first embodiment are shown in FIG.2 and other configurations are omitted.

The registration unit 31 responds to a request (hereinafter, referred toas sub-user registration request) to register, as a sub user of oneterminal unit 10 (e.g., terminal unit 10A), the other terminal unit 10(e.g., terminal unit 10B), and then register the subscriber informationof the other terminal unit 10 in the subscriber information DB 32, asthe sub-user subscriber information (sub-registrant subscriberinformation) of the one terminal unit 10. Specifically, in the casewhere permission to the sub-user registration request is obtained by theother terminal unit 10, the registration unit 31 registers thesubscriber information of the other terminal unit 10 in the subscriberinformation DB 32, as the sub-user subscriber information of the oneterminal unit 10.

On the other hand, there is a case where the registration unit 31registers the subscriber information of the other terminal unit 10(e.g., terminal unit 10B) as the sub-user subscriber information of theone terminal unit 10 (e.g., terminal unit 10A). In this case, theregistration unit 31 registers the subscriber information of the oneterminal unit 10 in the subscriber information DB 32, as sub-user holdersubscriber information (sub-registrant holder subscriber information) ofthe other terminal unit 10. Here, the sub-user holder i.e.,sub-registrant holder indicates the main user viewed from the sub-userside.

As shown in FIG. 3, the subscriber information DB 32 stores main-usersubscriber information, sub-user subscriber information, and sub-userholder subscriber information, in such a manner that they are associatedwith each other. Here, a plurality of pieces of sub-user subscriberinformation (e.g., subscriber information B, C) may be registered for asingle piece of main-user subscriber information (e.g., subscriberinformation A). In a similar way, a plurality of pieces of sub-userholder subscriber information (e.g., subscriber information A, B) may beregistered for a single main-user subscriber information (e.g.,subscriber information C). Alternatively, both the sub-user subscriberinformation (e.g., subscriber information C) and the sub-user holdersubscriber information (e.g., subscriber information A) may beregistered for a single piece of main-user subscriber information (e.g.,subscriber information B).

Like common HLRs, the subscriber information DB 32 stores locationinformation associated with the subscriber information (such asidentification information of the area where the terminal unit exists,identification information of the base station and/or MSC/VLR thatmanage the area, or the like).

When transmission is made to a main user (e.g., terminal unit 10A), thereception processor 33 acquires the sub-user subscriber informationassociated with the main-user subscriber information (e.g., subscriberinformation A), by referring to the subscriber information DB 32.Subsequently, the reception processor 33 performs processing ofreception at the sub users (e.g., terminal units 10B, 10C) with use ofthe sub-user subscriber information, Note that, in the first embodiment,the reception processor 33 performs processing of reception at both themain user and the sub users.

When transmission is made to the main user (e.g., terminal unit 10C),the reception processor 33 acquires the sub-user holder subscriberinformation associated with the main-user subscriber information (e.g.,subscriber information C), by referring to the subscriber information DB32. Subsequently, the reception processor 33 performs processing ofreception at sub-user holders (e.g., terminal units 10A, 10B) with useof the sub-user holder subscriber information, Note that, in the firstembodiment, the reception processor 33 performs processing of receptionat both the main user and the sub-user holders.

When transmission is made to the main user (e.g., terminal unit 10B),the reception processor 33 acquires the sub-user subscriber informationand the sub-user holder subscriber information associated with themain-user subscriber information (e.g., subscriber information B), byreferring to the subscriber information DB 32. Subsequently, thereception processor 33 performs processing of reception at the sub-userand the sub-user holder (e.g., terminal units 10A, 10C) with use of thesub-user subscriber information and the sub-user holder subscriberinformation. Note that, in the first embodiment, the reception processor38 performs processing of reception at all of the main user, the subuser and the sub-user holder.

Here, in the case where either one of the terminal units 10, i.e., thatof the main user, that of the sub user, and that of the sub-user holderhas responded, the reception processor 33 discontinues processing ofreception at another certain terminal unit 10. Subsequently, thereception processor 33 sends to the certain terminal unit 10 theidentification information (e.g., telephone number) of the terminal unit10 which has undergone reception processing.

When transmission is made from the main user (e.g., terminal unit 10A),the transmission processor 34 acquires the sub-user subscriberinformation associated with the main-user subscriber information (e.g.,subscriber information A), by referring to the subscriber information DB32. Subsequently, the transmission processor 34 performs processing oftransmission from the sub user (e.g., terminal unite 10B) with use ofthe sub-user subscriber information.

When transmission is made from the main user (e.g., terminal unit 10B),the transmission processor 34 acquires the sub-user holder subscriberinformation associated with the main-user subscriber information (e.g.,subscriber information B), by referring to the subscriber information DB32. Subsequently, the transmission processor 34 performs processing oftransmission from the sub-user holder (e.g., terminal unite 10A) withuse of the sub-user holder subscriber information.

Operation of the Communication System

Hereinafter, operation of the communication system according to thefirst embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS.4 to 8 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of the communicationsystem according to the first embodiment.

(1) Registration Processing of the Sub User and Sub-User Holder

The registration processing of the sub user and sub-user holder will beexplained with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, explanation will be givenon the case where the terminal unit 10A registration units the terminalunit 10B as the sub user.

As shown in FIG. 4, in step 10, the terminal unit 10A sends, via theMSC/VLR 20A to the HLR 30, a sub-user registration request whichrequests that the terminal unit 10B be registered as the sub user.

In step 11, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20B to the terminal unit10B, an approval request which requests an approval to the request thatthe terminal unit 10B be registered as the sub user of the terminal unit10A.

In step 12, the terminal unit 10B approves that it be registered as thesub user of the terminal unit 10A.

In step 13, the terminal unit 10B sends, via the MSC/VLR 20B to the HLR30, an approval response which approves that it be registered as the subuser of the terminal unit 10A.

In step 14, the HLR 30 registers the terminal unit 10B as the sub userof the terminal unit 10A. Specifically, the HLR 30 registers thesubscriber information B in the subscriber information DB 32 as thesub-user subscriber information, in a manner that the subscriberinformation B is associated with the subscriber information A which hasalready been registered as the main-user subscriber information.

In step 15, the HLR 30 registers the terminal unit 10A as the sub-userholder of the terminal unit 10B. Specifically, the HLR 30 registers thesubscriber information A in the subscriber information DB 32 as thesub-user holder subscriber information, in a manner that the subscriberinformation A is associated with the subscriber information B which hasalready been registered as the main-user subscriber information.

In step 16, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20A to the terminal unit10A, a sub-user registration response indicating that the terminal unitB has been registered as the sub user.

In step 17, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20B to the terminal unit10B, a sub-user holder registration response indicating that theterminal unit A has been registered as the sub-user holder.

(2) Transmission Processing with Use of the Sub-User SubscriberInformation

The transmission processing with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation will be explained with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5,explanation will be given on the case where the terminal unit 10Arequests transmission with use of the subscriber information B (sub-usersubscriber information). Please assume that the terminal unit 10B hasalready been registered as the sub user of the terminal unit 10A.

As shown in FIG. 5, in step 20, the terminal unit 10A sends, via theMSC/VLR 20 to the HLR 30, a transmission request to transmit a call tothe terminal unit 10D with use of the subscriber information B (sub-usersubscriber information) of the terminal unit 10B.

In step 21, the HLR 30 determines whether or not the subscriberinformation B corresponds, as the sub-user subscriber information, tothe subscriber information A registered as the main-user subscriberinformation, by referring to the subscriber information DB 32. If thesubscriber information B is associated with the subscriber informationA, the HLR 30 changes source subscriber information from the subscriberinformation A to the subscriber information B.

Note that, the HLR 30 stores, in the subscriber information DB 32, theinformation that a simulation call has been transmitted from theterminal unit 10B in response to the transmission from the terminal unit10A.

In step 22, the HLR 30 sends, via the GMSC/GGSN 40 to the terminal unit10D, a calling signal for calling up the terminal unit 10D, with use ofthe subscriber information B as the source subscriber information.

In step 23, the terminal unit 10D sends, via the GMSC/GGSN 40 to the HLR30, a calling response signal which is a response to the calling signal.

In step 24, the HLR 30 changes the source subscriber information fromthe subscriber information B to the subscriber information A, byreferring to the subscriber information DB 32.

In step 25, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20 to the terminal unit10A, a transmission response indicating that the terminal unit 10D) hasresponded to the transmission request.

In step 26, communication is started between the terminal unit 10A andthe terminal unit 10D.

(3) Transmission Processing with Use of the Sub-User Holder SubscriberInformation

The transmission processing with use of the sub-user holder subscriberinformation will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6,explanation will be given on the case where the terminal unit 10Brequests transmission with use of the subscriber information A (sub-userholder subscriber information). Please assume that the terminal unit 10Ahas already been registered as the sub-user holder of the terminal unit10.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step 30, the terminal unit 10B sends, via theMSC/VLR 20 to the HLR 30, a transmission request to transmit a call tothe terminal unit 10D with use of the subscriber information A (sub-userholder subscriber information) of the terminal unit 10A.

In step 31, the HLR 30 determines whether or not the subscriberinformation A corresponds, as the sub-user holder subscriberinformation, to the subscriber information B registered as the main-usersubscriber information, by referring to the subscriber information DB32. If the subscriber information A is associated with the subscriberinformation B, the HLR 30 changes the source subscriber information fromthe subscriber information B to the subscriber information A.

Note that, the HLR 30 stores, in the subscriber information DB 32, theinformation that a simulation call has been transmitted from theterminal unit 10A in response to the transmission from the terminal unit10B.

In step 32, the HLR 30 sends, via the GMSC/GGSN 40 to the terminal unit10D, a calling signal for calling up the terminal unit 10D, with use ofthe subscriber information A as the source subscriber information.

In step 33, the terminal unit 10D sends, via the GMSC/GGSN 40 to the HLR30, a calling response signal which is a response to the calling signal.

In step 34, the HLR 30 changes the source subscriber information fromthe subscriber information A to the subscriber information B, byreferring to the subscriber information DB 32.

In step 35, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20 to the terminal unit10B, a transmission response indicating that the terminal unit 10D hasresponded to the transmission request.

In step 36, communication is started between the terminal unit 10B andthe terminal unit 10D.

(4) Processing of Reception at the Sub User

The processing of reception at the sub user will be explained withreference to FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, explanation will be given on the casewhere the terminal unit 10D performs transmission to the terminal unit10A. Please assume that the terminal unit 10B has already beenregistered as the sub user of the terminal unit 10A.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step 40, the terminal unit 10D sends, via theGMSC/GGSN 40 to the HLR 30, a transmission request to transmit a call tothe terminal unit 10A.

In step 41, the HLR 30 searches the subscriber information DB 32 for thesubscriber information registered as the sub-user subscriber informationin association with the subscriber information A registered as themain-user subscriber information.

In steps 42 a and 42 b, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20 to theterminal units 10A and 10B, a calling signal for calling up the mainuser and the sub user.

In step 43, the terminal unit 10B (sub user) responds to the callingsignal.

In step 44, the terminal unit 10B sends, via the MSC/VLR 20 to the HLR30, a calling response signal which is a response to the calling signal.

In step 45, the HLR 30 changes destination subscriber information fromthe subscriber information B to the subscriber information A, andsubsequently sends, via the GMSC/GGSN 40 to the terminal unit 10D, atransmission response indicating that the terminal unit 10A hasresponded to the transmission request.

In step 46, the HLR 30 discontinues calling up of the terminal unit 10A,and notifies the terminal unit 10A of the identification information(e.g., telephone number) of the terminal unit 10B which has undergonereception processing.

In step 47, communication is started between the terminal unit 10B andthe terminal unit 10D.

(5) Processing of Reception at the Sub-User Holder

The processing of reception at the sub-user holder will be explainedwith reference to FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, explanation will be given on thecase where the terminal unit 10D performs transmission to the terminalunit 10B, Please assume that the terminal unit 10A has already beenregistered as the sub-user holder of the terminal unit 10B.

As shown in FIG. 8, in step 50, the terminal unit 10D sends, via theGMSC/GGSN 40 to the HLR 30, a transmission request to transmit a call tothe terminal unit 10B.

In step 51, the HLR 30 searches the subscriber information DB 82 for thesubscriber information registered as the sub-user holder subscriberinformation in association with the subscriber information B registeredas the main-user subscriber information.

In steps 52 a and 52 b, the HLR 30 sends, via the MSC/VLR 20 to theterminal units 10A and 10B, a calling signal for calling up the mainuser and the sub user.

In step 53, the terminal unit 10A (sub-user holder) responds to thecalling signal.

In step 54, the terminal unit 10A sends, via the MSC/VLR 20 to the HLR30, a calling response signal which is a response to the calling signal.

In step 55, the HLR 30 changes the destination subscriber informationfrom the subscriber information A to the subscriber information B, andsubsequently sends, via the GMSC/GGSN 40 to the terminal unit 10D, atransmission response indicating that the terminal unit 10B hasresponded to the transmission request.

In step 56, the HLR 30 discontinues calling up of the terminal unit 10B,and notifies the terminal unit 10B of the identification information(e.g., telephone number) of the terminal unit 10A which has undergonereception processing.

In step 57, communication is started between the terminal unit 10A andthe terminal unit 10D.

EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES

According to the first embodiment, the sub-user subscriber informationand the sub-user holder subscriber information, in addition to themain-user subscriber information, is registered in the subscriberinformation DB 32. When transmission is made to the main user,processing of reception at the sub user and the sub-user holder isperformed with use of the sub-user subscriber information and thesub-user holder subscriber information.

As described above, the subscriber information used in transmission doesnot need to coincide with the subscriber information to be used inreception. As a result, compared to a conventional technique where thesubscriber information is switched at the terminal unit, the degree offreedom in selecting the subscriber information used in transmission orreception is increased, and thus convenience of a user is enhanced.

According to the first embodiment, in the case where either one of theterminal units 10, i.e., that of the main user, that of the sub user,and that of the sub-user holder, has responded to the transmission, thereception processor 33 discontinues processing of reception at the otherterminal units 10. Subsequently, the reception processor 33 sends to theother terminal units 10 the identification information (e.g., telephonenumber) of the terminal unit 10 which has undergone receptionprocessing.

Therefore, the other terminal units 10 (other users) which have notundergone reception processing can learn which terminal unit 10 (orwhich user) has undergone reception processing.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to thedrawing. Explanation will be mainly given on the difference between thefirst embodiment as described above and the second embodiment.

Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described firstembodiment, specifically in the second embodiment, it is possible torestrict transmission and reception with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation and the sub-user holder subscriber information.

Configuration of the Subscriber Information Storage Device

Hereinafter, a configuration of the subscriber information storagedevice according to the second embodiment will be described withreference to the drawing. In the second embodiment, explanation will begiven taking the HLR 30 as an example of the subscriber informationstorage device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of theHLR 30 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the HLR 30 includes a registration unit 35, inaddition to the configurations shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that,in FIG. 9, similar numerals and characters are provided toconfigurations that are similar to those in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, the subscriber information DB 32 stores therestriction information, in addition to the main-user subscriberinformation, the sub-user subscriber information, and the sub-userholder subscriber information. The restriction information is associatedwith the sub-user subscriber information and the sub-user holdersubscriber information.

The restriction information is the information for restrictingtransmission and reception with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation and the sub-user holder subscriber information.Specifically, the restriction information is thought to include thefollowing information.

(1) Restriction on transmission with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation(2) Restriction on reception with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation(3) Restriction on transmission and reception with use of the sub-usersubscriber information(4) Restriction on transmission with use of the sub-user holdersubscriber information(5) Restriction on reception with use of the sub-user holder subscriberinformation(6) Restriction on Transmission and Reception with Use of the Sub-UserHolder Subscriber Information

In the case of restriction on reception with use of the sub-usersubscriber information or the sub-user holder subscriber information,whether or not to make restriction may be set in accordance with theterminal of the transmitter. Such setting may be made freely by the mainuser.

In the case where transmission from the main user or reception at themain user is made, the restrictor 35 is configured to determine whetheror not the main-user subscriber information is associated with therestriction information, by referring to the subscriber information DB32. If the main-user subscriber information is associated with therestriction information, the restrictor 35 is configured to restricttransmission and reception with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation or the sub-user holder subscriber information, in accordancewith the restriction information.

EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to restricttransmission and reception with use of the sub-user subscriberinformation or the sub-user holder subscriber information. Therefore,convenience of the user is enhanced.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to thedrawing. Explanation will be mainly given on the difference between thefirst embodiment as described above and the third embodiment.

Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described firstembodiment, specifically in the third embodiment, an additional servicewhich is set to either one of the main user, the sub user, and thesub-user holder is shared by the main user, the sub user, and thesub-user holder.

Configuration of the Subscriber Information Storage Device

Hereinafter, a configuration of the subscriber information storagedevice according to the third embodiment will be described withreference to the drawing. In the third embodiment, explanation will begiven taking the HLR 30 as an example of the subscriber informationstorage device. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration ofthe HLR 30 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the HLR 30 includes a service provider 36, inaddition to the configurations shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that,in FIG. 11, similar numerals and characters are provided toconfigurations that are similar to those in FIG. 2.

In the case where reception at the main user is made, the serviceprovider 36 is configured to determine whether or not an additionalservice is set to either one of the main user, the sub user and thesub-user holder. In the case where an additional service has been set,even if either one of the main user, the sub user and the sub-userholder performs reception processing, the service provider 36 providesthe additional service to the terminal unit 10 which has performedreception processing.

Note that the service provider 36 does not need to have a function ofproviding an additional service. In this case, the service provider 36may instruct a server for providing an additional service to theterminal unit 10 to provide the additional service thereto.

Here, the additional service refers to a service which is used atreception. For example, it includes forwarding service, answering phoneservice, call-waiting service and the like.

EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES

According to the third embodiment, an additional service which is set toeither one of the main user, the sub user and the sub-user holder isshared by the main user, the sub user and the sub-user holder.Accordingly, convenience of the user is enhanced.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to thedrawing. Explanation will be mainly given on the difference between thefirst embodiment as described above and the fourth embodiment.

Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described firstembodiment, specifically in the fourth embodiment, in the case where thesub user or the sub-user holder performs reception processing, theterminal unit 10 which has performed reception processing is informed ofthe identification information (e.g., telephone number) of the mainuser. In addition, the terminal units 10 which have not performedreception processing are informed of the communication status of theterminal unit 10, among the main user, the sub user and the sub-userholder, which has performed reception processing.

Configuration of the Subscriber Information Storage Device

Hereinafter, a configuration of the subscriber information storagedevice according to the fourth embodiment will be described withreference to the drawing. In the fourth embodiment, explanation will begiven taking the HLR 30 as an example of the subscriber informationstorage device. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration ofthe HLR 30 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the HLR 30 includes a notifier 37, in addition tothe configurations shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that, in FIG. 12,similar numerals and characters are provided to configurations that aresimilar to those in FIG. 2.

In the case where the sub user or the sub-user holder has performedreception processing when transmission is made to the main user, thenotifier 37 is configured to notify the terminal unit 10 which hasperformed reception processing of the identification information (e.g.,telephone number) of the main user.

The notifier 37 is configured to notify the terminal units 10 which havenot performed reception processing of the communication status of theterminal unit 10, among the main user, the sub user and the sub-userholder, which has performed reception processing.

Here, the communication status refers to start of communication,termination of communication, duration time of communication, and thelike. Notification of the communication status is made whencommunication is started, when it is terminated, or periodically.

EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES

According to the fourth embodiment, in the case where the sub user orthe sub-user holder has performed reception processing when transmissionis made to the main user, the notifier 37 notifies the terminal unit 10which has performed reception processing of the identificationinformation (e.g., telephone number) of the main user. Therefore, thesub user or the sub-user holder who has performed reception processingcan learn who was supposed to perform reception processing originally.

According to the fourth embodiment, the notifier 37 notifies theterminal units 10 which have not performed reception processing, of thecommunication status of the terminal unit 10, among the main user, thesub user and the sub use, which has performed reception processing.Therefore, the users who have not performed reception processing canlearn the status of the communication that is related to themselves.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to thedrawing. Explanation will be mainly given on the difference between thefirst embodiment as described above and the fifth embodiment.

Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described firstembodiment, specifically in the fifth embodiment, communicationperformed by either one of the terminal units 10 i.e., that of the mainuser, that of the sub user, and that of the sub-user holder istransferred to the other terminal units 10.

Configuration of the Subscriber Information Storage Device

Hereinafter, a configuration of the subscriber information storagedevice according to the fifth embodiment will be described withreference to the drawing. In the fifth embodiment, explanation will begiven taking the HLR 30 as an example of the subscriber informationstorage device, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration ofthe HLR 30 according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the HLR 30 includes a transferer 38, in addition tothe configurations shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that, in FIG. 13,similar numerals and characters are provided to configurations that aresimilar to those in FIG. 2.

The transferer 38 is configured to transfer communication performed byeither one of the terminal units 10, i.e., that of the main user, thatof the sub user, and that of the sub-user holder, to the other terminalunits 10. Here, communication may be transferred either at the start ofor during communication.

Note that the transferer 38 does not need to have a function oftransferring communication. In such cases, the transferer 38 mayinstruct a server for managing communication to transfer thecommunication.

EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES

According to the fifth embodiment, the transferer 38 transferscommunication performed by either one of the terminal units 10, i.e.,that of the main user, that of the sub user, and that of the sub-userholder, to the other terminal units 10. Accordingly, a group call can beperformed with use of the sub-user subscriber information and thesub-user holder subscriber information.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The present invention has been explained with use of the above-describedembodiments. However, the descriptions and drawings that constitute apart of the disclosure should not be construed as the limitation of thepresent invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples and appliedtechnologies will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thedisclosure.

For example, although not particularly mentioned in the embodiments asdescribed above, the main user, the sub user and the sub-user holder maybe the same user. Alternatively, the main user, the sub user and thesub-user holder may be different users. In the latter case, it ispossible to use the sub-user subscriber information and the sub-userholder subscriber information in a group call which is performed by aplurality of terminal units 10 (users), by registering the sub-user andthe subscriber sub-user in the HLR 30.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiments as describedabove, transmission and reception may be those with use ofcircuit-switched communication, or those with use of the packet-switchedcommunication.

In the embodiments as described above, the registration unit 31, thesubscriber information db 32, the reception processor 33, thetransmission processor 34, the restrictor 35, the service provider 36,the notifier 37, and the transferer 38 are provided in the HLR 30.However, the configuration is not limited to this. The registration unit31, the subscriber information db 32, the reception processor 33, thetransmission processor 34, the restrictor 35, the service provider 36,the notifier 37, and the transferer 38 may be arranged in a distributedmanner in various apparatuses (servers) included in the first network100.

In the embodiments as described above, explanation will be given takingthe HLR 30 as an example of the subscriber information storage device.However, the invention is not limited to this. The MSC/VLR 20 may serveas the subscriber information storage device.

1. A communication system comprising: a subscriber information storagedevice configured to store subscriber information; a registration unitconfigured to register, in addition to first subscriber information,second subscriber information in the subscriber information storagedevice, as sub-registrant subscriber information of a first terminalunit, the first subscriber information being the subscriber informationassociated with a first terminal unit, and the second subscriberinformation being the subscriber information associated with a secondterminal unit; and a reception processor configured to acquire thesub-registrant subscriber information associated with the firstsubscriber information by referring to the subscriber informationstorage device, when transmission is made to the first terminal unit,and subsequently to perform processing of reception at the secondterminal unit with use of the sub-registrant subscriber information. 2.The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the registrationunit registers, in addition to the second subscriber information, thefirst subscriber information in the subscriber information storagedevice, as sub-registrant holder subscriber information of the secondterminal unit, and the reception processor acquires the sub-registrantholder subscriber information associated with the second subscriberinformation by referring to the subscriber information storage device,when transmission is made to the second terminal unit, and subsequentlyperforms processing of reception at the first terminal unit with use ofthe sub-registrant holder subscriber information.
 3. The communicationsystem according to claim 2, further comprising: a transmissionprocessor configured to acquire the sub-registrant subscriberinformation associated with the first subscriber information byreferring to the subscriber information storage device, whentransmission is made from the first terminal unit, and subsequentlyperform processing of transmission from the second terminal unit withuse of the sub-registrant subscriber information.
 4. The communicationsystem according to claim 3, wherein the transmission processor acquiresthe sub-registrant holder subscriber information associated with thesecond subscriber information by referring to the subscriber informationstorage device when transmission is made from the second terminal unit,and subsequently performs processing of transmission from the firstterminal unit with use of the sub-registrant holder subscriberinformation.
 5. The communication system according to claim 4, furthercomprising: a transferer configured to transfer communication performedby one of the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit to theother terminal unit.
 6. The communication system according to claim 4,further comprising: a restrictor configured to restrict any one ofreception processing with use of the sub-registrant subscriberinformation and transmission processing with use of the sub-registrantsubscriber information.
 7. The communication system according to claim4, further comprising: a restrictor configured to restrict one ofreception processing with use of the sub-registrant holder subscriberinformation and transmission processing with use of sub-registrantholder subscriber information.
 8. The communication system according toclaim 4, wherein in the case where any one of the first terminal unitand the second terminal unit has responded, the reception processordiscontinues processing of reception at the other terminal unit, andsends to the other terminal unit the identification information of theterminal unit which has responded.
 9. The communication system accordingto claim 4, further comprising a service provider configured to providean additional service, which is to be used at reception, to both of thefirst terminal unit and the second terminal unit when any one of thefirst terminal unit and the second terminal unit is set to be providedwith the additional service.
 10. The communication system according toclaim 4, further comprising a notifier configured to notifyidentification information of the other terminal unit to which thetransmission is made, to one of the first terminal unit and the secondterminal unit which responds to operation of the reception processorwhen transmission is made to the other terminal unit.
 11. Thecommunication system according to claim 4, further comprising a notifierconfigured to notify a communication status of the other terminal unit,to one of the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit.